Shichisai Festival in Sonai and Hoshidate, Iriomote Island

Festival highlights

On the second day at the beach, a procession of the jovial deity Miriku, a paddle dance performed by boatmen, and a boat race to row in a good harvest from across the sea unfold.

The sound of gongs and drums cheering on the race, the winner's declaration, and ox and horse kyogen performances follow, before giving way to the graceful Fushi Angā dance.

In Hoshidate, Ohōhō also appears in a distinctive mask and costume, conveying memories of interactions with outsiders preserved in the festival's traditions.

A turning-point festival on Iriomote Island, inviting good fortune from the sea and enlivened by diverse performing arts

What to expect

The first day is treated as the year's eve, with household cleaning, rituals to drive away evil, and a year-end meal.

On the second day, after prayers, a procession goes from the community center to the beach, where performances are dedicated, including a paddle dance, Miriku procession, boat race, kyogen, Fushi Angā, bojutsu, and lion dance.

On the third day, a todome ceremony is held, including well cleaning, to express gratitude for water.

How to take part

Visitors may watch the public parts of the festival, including the Yokuoi event and performances held at the beach, as well as boat-racing competitions.

However, visitors are expected to stay out of sacred areas such as utaki and quietly observe the activities of the local people who conduct the festival.

No information has been confirmed about general visitors taking part in the rituals or competitions.

Source: 竹富の島々の伝統行事 | 竹富町 責任ある観光

Location and access

Venue and address

Sonai District and Hoshidate District.

The main venues are Sonai Community Center, Maetomari Beach, Ōhirai Well, Hoshidate Community Center, Mae-no-hama Beach, and Ue-no-kawa.

Train and bus

No railway information is available.

It takes approximately 40–45 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Port to Uehara Port.

By car

It is approximately 20 minutes by car, about 8 km, from Uehara Port to the Sonai and Hoshidate districts.

Address Sonai District and Hoshidate (Hoshitate) District, Iriomote Island, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture

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Dates and season

Each year, the festival is held over 3 days centered on the Day of the Boar and Pig around the tenth month of the lunar calendar.

It falls around October to November on the Gregorian calendar, and the dates vary from year to year.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The Shichisai Festival is a sacred event for the people who live in Sonai and Hoshidate.

Even in the publicly accessible parts of the beach, do not enter sacred areas such as utaki. Follow local guidance regarding photography.

Accommodation tends to be busy during the festival, so it is recommended that you arrange your stay early once you decide to visit.

Nearby attractions

Places mentioned for experiencing Iriomote Island's nature before or after the festival include Hoshizuna Beach, cruises and waterfall tours on the Urauchi River, Pinaisara Falls, the mangrove forest along the Nakama River, and Yubu Island.

These are nearby spots where you can learn about the island's natural scenery and waterside environments.

Even when visiting alongside the festival, it is important to enjoy the area while respecting local life and nature.

Parks and gardensTaketomi Town

由布島

日本の沖縄県八重山諸島にある島

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Parks and gardensIshigaki City · Taketomi Town

西表石垣国立公園

日本の沖縄県の西表島と石垣島を中心とする国立公園

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Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Shichisai Festival in Sonai and Hoshidate, Iriomote Island

The Shichisai Festival is said to have been passed down for approximately 500 years.

Its origins on Iriomote are unclear, but a tradition links the Fushi Angā dance to a founder from around the 15th century.

In 1978, it was selected as an intangible folk cultural property for which measures such as record creation should be undertaken, and in 1991 it was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs' Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties lists it as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property under the name “Shichisai Festival of Iriomote Island.”

The festival's preservation organization is the Iriomote Folk Performing Arts Preservation Society.

Information from the Taketomi Town Tourism Association is also provided as a contact for inquiries about the dates and viewing the festival.

Source: 国指定文化財等データベース

Shichisai Festival in Sonai and Hoshidate, Iriomote Island at a Glance

Held in Sonai and Hoshidate on Iriomote Island, this three-day festival marks the turning point of the year, expressing gratitude for the harvest and prayers for peace in the coming year.

On the second day, a variety of performances are dedicated on the beach, including the Miriku procession, paddle dance, boat race, Fushi Angā, bojutsu, and lion dance.

If watching the publicly accessible parts, please stay out of sacred areas and quietly observe the ceremonies, following local guidance.